By Stan Finder
The Wichita Eagle
WICHITA — Wichita police are investigating a letter claiming credit for the shooting of an off-duty officer downtown on March 25 — and threatening to shoot several more officers.
The letter was brought to the Patrol East substation on May 7 by a man who said it had been tacked to a bulletin board in a laundry room at Village Park at Cedarbrooke apartments, 8406 E. Harry.
“We’re taking this seriously,” Deputy Chief Tom Stolz said.
The letter contains details about the shooting of the officer on March 25 that have not been made public, Stolz said.
The officer was working security at Wichita Area Technical College’s central campus, 324 N. Emporia, and was patrolling an alley when he was hit by a small-caliber bullet.
The bullet was deflected by the lapel microphone clipped to the center of the officer’s chest, and he was not injured. Authorities closed off downtown streets and conducted an extensive search but found no suspects.
The officer hit by the bullet has since returned to active duty.
The letter has been processed for fingerprints and other evidence, Stolz said. People who live near where the letter was found have been questioned, but police have no suspects.
Officers have been warned to be extra cautious, Stolz said.
Anyone with knowledge about the letter is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 316-267-2111, the felony assault section of the police department at 316-268-4191 or a tips hotline at 316-267-SCAT (7228).
See Thursday’s Eagle for more information.
Copyright 2008 The Wichita Eagle